Davidson approves $9.1M budget for 2013-14

DAVIDSON – The Davidson Town Board voted unanimously June 11 to approve a $9.1 million budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Davidson residents will not see a hike in their tax rate, as property tax will remain 35 cents per $100 property value.

“Even with the property revaluation uncertainty, we have been able to fund recurring maintenance and equipment replacement, some capital improvement plan items and personnel in critical areas,” Town Manager Leamon Brice said in his report. “We look forward to a year where we will be able to advance the board’s goals and make significant improvements throughout town.”

Fiscal year 2013 was the first year the town was able to begin funding recurring maintenance and equipment replacement since the recession, Brice said.

The town will be able to enhance the recurring maintenance and equipment replacement investments in fiscal year 2014.

Budgeted operating costs, totaling $2.5 million or 27.4 percent of the general fund, include $30,000 for implementation of an economic development plan, $5,000 for upgrades to town hall atrium signage, $4,000 for an increase to the public art fund, $18,100 for an increase to professional development expenses and a $5,000 allocation to tree inventory needs.

Capital expenditures, totalling $526,738 or 5.8 percent of the general fund, included $200,000 for street resurfacing, $96,000 for two patrol cars, $57,700 for new office technology, $97,400 for public works equipment and vehicle, and $26,000 digital visitor kiosks around town.

An additional $127,000 in paving expenses will be paid through state street-aid money.

Contingency funding, totaling $414,886 or 4.5 percent of the general fund, included projects such as updates to McEver Field lighting; salary increases and adjustments; and new positions in public works, fire, parks and planning departments.

Davidson’s nonprofit funding will remain at $50,000 or .5 percent of the general fund, as it was in fiscal year 2013.

The town’s contribution to MI-Connection totaled $1,390,000 or 15.3 percent of general fund expenditures.

Under a new interlocal agreement, Davidson’s annual contribution will be limited to $1 million.